A petition signed by over 3,800 people has also called for both façades – the only remnants of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary – to be kept.

A fresh plan which incorporates both pepper-pot structures has now been submitted by Nightingale Quarter Estates (NQE).

The new plans show an access road diverting around the southern structure, instead of through it.

New plans show an access road diverting around a 'pepper-pot' tower (circled in red). Previous plans showed the tower making way for a straight access road

To support the re-use of the two buildings, Nightingale Quarter Estates is seeking permission to extend both buildings at the back.

The developer – part of London-based First Urban – has not withdrawn its initial plans and the planning committee will consider both the original outline planning application and the amended version on September 14.

Read More

In a letter to the council’s planning department, Nick Hardy, the agent acting on behalf of the developer, said: “These additional plans show the second pepper-pot building being retained and indicate a need for the building to be extended to the rear to support its re-use.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the scheme submitted by Nightingale Quarter Estates in January, and which was considered by the planning committee on July 20 (referred to as ‘Scheme 1’), is neither withdrawn nor superseded by the additional plans, and remains an extant proposal for determination by the local planning authority.

“However, the additional plans show an alternative option for consideration (referred to as ‘Scheme 2’) which addresses the single concern that was raised by the planning committee.”

New plans show both 'pepper-pot' buildings on the former DRI site being incorporated into the 500-home Nightingale Quarter scheme

Asked for his reaction to the new proposal, he said: “In principle I welcome them and have no objection to the pavilions being extended if that will give them a viable use.”

The plans also include extra-care accommodation and a public park.

Nightingale Quarter Estates would also fund a new primary school in the area – most likely within the neighbouring Castleward perimeters – as well as just over a fifth of the cost for a new secondary school, as part of a Section 106 legal agreement with Derby City Council.

Under the terms of the agreement, 10% of the homes would be “affordable housing”.

The terms were agreed prior to July's planning meeting. The Derby Telegraph understands discussions have since reopened and a slightly different agreement may be reached over the coming days.

Nightingale Quarter Estates has also committed to revamping the abandoned Grade II-listed Wilderslowe House still on the site, as well three derelict Victorian villas and the statue of Queen Victoria in London Road.